Fully explained Gongfucha

Gongfu Cha (Chinese: 工夫茶), also known as "tea art" or "kung fu tea", is a traditional Chinese way of preparing and enjoying tea. This method emphasizes the use of high quality loose tea leaves and precisely controlled preparation to create an intense and aromatic tea drinking experience.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Gongfu Cha:

Step 1: Prepare the equipment
Traditionally, gongfu cha is prepared in a gaiwan (a small bowl with a lid), a Yixing teapot or a porcelain teapot. You also need a tea table on which to place the equipment. The equipment should be clean and dry.

Step 2: Heat water
Heat fresh water to the appropriate temperature for the tea you want to make. It's important to use the right water temperature, as it will have a big impact on the flavor of the tea. For example, green tea requires a lower temperature than black tea.

Step 3: Prepare the tea leaves
Take about 5-7 grams of tea leaves and place them in the gaiwan or teapot. Rinse the tea leaves with hot water to remove dust and impurities and to wake up the tea. Pour out the water again afterwards.

Step 4: Enjoy the tea drinking experience
Next, pour the hot water on the tea leaves again. The first infusion is left to steep for just a few seconds to release the flavor of the tea. After that, pour the water into a cup to enjoy the tea.

Subsequent infusions should be left to steep for a few seconds longer each. The exact time frame depends on the type of tea. For each infusion, the water should be poured into a separate cup. Repeat this process until the tea leaves have lost their flavor.

Step 5: Clean up
Remove the tea leaves from the teapot or gaiwan and wash them with warm water. Let the accessories dry well and stow them away safely, ready for the next use.

Gongfu Cha is an art that requires practice to achieve the perfect blend of aroma and flavor. The more you practice, the better you become at making tea this way.